This article examines the design structure and interface of online courses and explains how program-wide design standards can benefit the learner, educator, and organization as a whole. Standards in program design can help support learner success, and these examples serve as a guide when designing, updating, or improving online adult and…

For the forty-fourth time, the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented online and onsite during the annual AECT Convention. Volume 1 contains papers dealing primarily with research and development topics. Papers dealing with…

Five indicators of failure suggest mistakes in program design or delivery: aborted planning, insufficient enrollment, negative reactions, unattained objectives, and incomplete transfer of learning. Learning from these mistakes requires deliberate reflection and systematic analysis. (SK)

Interviews with 32 adult education practitioners elicited success/failure factors. Practice-related observations included (1) reflecting on success/failure helps clarify values and assumptions; (2) new ways of perceiving, planning, and evaluating are stimulated; (3) integrating past experiences with changing demands promotes flexibility; (4)…

Four types of program failure are (1) termination before implementing a planned program; (2) insufficient enrollment; (3) failure to meet participant expectations; and (4) failure to achieve objectives. Speculations about probable causes of failure can lead to principles for improving practice and to theories about program failure. (SK)

Reviews the needs assessment studies described in this journal issue. Concludes that (1) lessons from completed needs assessments can help continuing education practitioners plan and conduct future studies, and (2) a rational, need-reduction, decision-making approach can improve continuing education programs. (CT)

Adult learning in residential conference centers is enhanced when a philosophical basis underlies their design. Six integrated elements for the development of learning sanctuaries are historical context, educational program, physical environment, support services, technology, and human resources. (SK)

Discusses establishing a climate for adult learning, assumptions about adult learning, and factors for a successful continuing professional education program. Provides a checklist to assist the professional education program manager in creating a satisfactory learning environment. This list includes activities to be performed prior to, during, and…

Gathering information is futile without implementation of programs based on the findings. Data from a single needs assessment study can provide useful information to decision makers at several levels. Studies of a general population of adults provide data for state, regional, and local continuing education practitioners. (CT)

This book shows how to design and implement a strategic financial management system for any organization that plans conferences, workshops, and meetings. It guides the reader through steps in the budgeting and strategic financial management process. Case studies, hints, and guidelines for avoiding the most common mistakes are given, and…

The strategies used by a university's new dean of continuing education to sensitize the institution to adult learning and adult students and to alert the community to the program are described. (MSE)

This document describes the multicultural Program for Deaf Adults (PDA) at LaGuardia Community College at the City University of New York. The PDA offers a comprehensive education through an extensive variety of both degree and continuing education courses. It offers basic skill courses in the academic division and, in the Division of Adult and…

This book examines Learning-in-Retirement (LIR) programs in which the participants determine their own curricula, teach their own courses, administer and market the program, and engage in self-governance under the aegis of a local college or university. It also provides a description of the issues involved in creating and maintaining a successful…

This book is a resource for human service professionals with detailed information necessary to start, maintain, monitor, assess, and reevaluate a program targeting independence. It describes the Whole Life Program, an interdependent apartment program combined with continuing education for adults with developmental, physical, and emotional…

This booklet is intended as a guide for community educators on planning and teaching educational programs for older adults. Chapter 1, Getting Started, discusses the program plan which identifies the sponsoring agency, advisory committee, and ways of determining needs and interests. Chapter 2, Designing the Program, focuses on the participants,…